NASA - On-Orbit Demonstration of a Novel LEON-2 Based Computer System and Its Application for Acquisition and Transmission of Milli-g Environment and Acoustic Noise Data in the Columbus Attached Pressurized Module, SDTO 15010-E

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Fact Sheet

On-Orbit Demonstration of a Novel LEON-2 Based Computer System and Its Application for Acquisition and Transmission of Milli-g Environment and Acoustic Noise Data in the Columbus Attached Pressurized Module, SDTO 15010-E (LEON-2)

The On-Orbit Demonstration of a Novel LEON-2 Based Computer System and Its Application for Acquisition and Transmission of Milli-g Environment and Acoustic Noise Data in the Columbus Attached Pressurized Module (LEON-2) study will assess the performance of a new generation of on-board computer with respect to radiation behavior, vibrations, noise and temperature.

On-Orbit Demonstration of a Novel LEON-2 Based Computer System and Its Application for Acquisition and Transmission of Milli-g Environment and Acoustic Noise Data in the Columbus Attached Pressurized Module (LEON-2) will demonstrate the space capability of a new generation of on-board computer. This computer can be modified with respect to operation to will replace the Standard Payload Computer (SPLC) and Fault Tolerant Computer (FTC) computers on future ISS payloads.

The primary objective of this system is to assess the on-orbit performance, especially with respect to radiation behavior. As a secondary goal, it will allow for collection of vibration, noise and temperature data in the Columbus Attached Pressurized Module (APM). The data will further be used to determine possible disturbances of experiments carried out in scientific payloads.

Description

This compact computer system shall operate in the space environment to demonstrate the on-orbit performance of the ESA-developed radiation-hard microprocessor (LEON-2). Environmental data such as vibrations, noise and temperature will be measured in milli-g, where 1 milli-g is one thousandth of the acceleration due to gravity.

The SDTO hardware runs the standard SPLC basic software and can communicate through the Columbus Payload LAN (Local Area Network - used for data processing). The SDTO will demonstrate a dataflow from the sensor to a ground User Support and Operation Centre (USOC), where it is possible to continuously produce telemetry on sensor data, system health data, and data on radiation effects.

The hardware is a computer box nicknamed "ERNObox," (Element Rechner für den erdnahen Orbit - modular computer for low earth orbit) and four power and data harnesses. Two of these cables will be used in the baseline configuration (power from the European Drawer Rack - EDR) and LAN from an empty payload rack position's UIP (Utility Interface Panel ? attach point for cables located underneath racks). The other cables are for future use: one cable serves as a connection to a crew laptop for software updates, and the other cable provides the option to connect the box to the EDR instead of the UIP.

Data acquired in this study will be used to assess radiation behavior and to correlate possible disturbances of experiments carried out in scientific payloads with milli-g accelerations; e.g. by crew activities, re-boost, or docking of spacecraft to the ISS. Follow-on data analysis will provide valuable data for scientific payloads and for crew health support with respect to otology (the science of the ear and its diseases). Such technologies are necessary to continuously provide state-of-the art computers for replacement and extension of the ISS data management system and the ISS primary payload computers.

Earth Applications

This study involves a demonstration of an on-orbit computer system assessing environmental data, for the purpose of securing valuable payload data and crew health, which makes it unrelated to Earth applications.

There are no preflight and postflight requirements. A maximum of 60 minutes ISS crew time is required for destow/stow, installation and activation. Electrical power is required which is provided by the EDR power outlet activated by ground command.

Operational Protocols

This SDTO is desired to be one continuous session for 6 months: as long as the European Drawer Rack Payload is powered (with anticipated interruptions for drawer removals/inactive phases), and data collection and telemetry generation is in progress.

Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office. If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Research-Helpline.